History of the Honors Program

The Heidelberg Honors Program was voted into existence by the Heidelberg faculty on December 2, 1993. It became a reality on October 25, 1994, with the signing of the charter.

The concept for the Honors program originated with the Campus Ethos Committee, a group containing representatives from all areas of the campus. The focus of this group was to enhance the academic climate of Heidelberg.

After the program was initiated, it was decided that Honors students should have a place to gather and be academic. Former President William Cassell, together with Dean Kenneth Porada and Vice President Jeannine Curns, established the Honors Center, located in the basement of Williard Hall.

Since the program has grown so large, former President Owens, Dean Porada and Mrs. Curns implemented the move of the Honors Center from its location in Williard to the old Development House, also the original President's home. This Honors House better serves the students’ needs.

The Honors House

The Honors House was built in 1868 as the President's home. It became the Honors House and Center for Global Education in the fall of 1997.

The floor level of the house contains Dean Jan Younger's office, the seminar room, the secretary's office, the IBM and Macintosh computer lab and a miniature kitchen.

On the second floor, you will find the Faculty Coordinator's office, the Service Learning Coordinator's office, the Honors Lounge with Polly Keener's mural, murals by Chip Bok, Dave Coverly and Don Lee, a Map Room study area and the glass display cabinet.

The Honors House is accessible to the honors students at any time and provides a place to study as well as to relax.